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Chicago Public Library Shines at ALA Convention American Library Association showcases CPL Innovations: Maker Lab, Summer Learning Challenge and outcome measurement strategies. The Chicago Public Library Foundation is proud to support innovative initiatives at the Chicago Public Library. The ability of the Library to rapidly design and showcase new programs and services, as well as having the resources to support signature programs like One Book, One Chicago, Bookamania, Teachers in the Library and CyberNavigators are the great value that Foundation donors contribute to the city. During the American Library Association's Annual Conference in June, Chicago shone bright among the more than 25,000 participants with the launch of the Maker Lab, redesign of the Summer Learning Challenge and with leading the way in Impact Measurement. The Library held sessions and tours of the Maker Lab, the first of its kind to be installed in a library space in Chicago. Like YOUmedia, the Maker Lab-within-a-library concept is being watched closely to determine whether it will be replicated in select branches within CPL. The Maker Lab is the first free space in which the public can get a "first touch" of 21st century technology and is made possible through grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Foundation. With the redesign of the Foundation-funded Summer Learning Challenge that integrates science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) and digital badging, CPL has embarked on new territory never seen before in the library community. Librarians and educators from around the U.S. were eager to learn more about the unique partnerships forged between CPL and the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago , the Goodman Theatre and Chicago Summer of Learning that add the "STEAM" in Summer Learning. There is no doubt the STEAM focus will be seen in many libraries around the country next summer. The Library's endeavor at measuring the social impact of services on the community received significant attention at the conference. While there is plenty of anecdotal information on the impact of libraries on communities the hard numbers have always been difficult to identify and measure. With Library Foundation funding, the Library has been working with strategy consulting firm, Mission Measurement, to identify high-value and measureable outcomes for library services that will demonstrate, with hard data, exactly how the Library is positively effecting the city of Chicago. We are very proud to see all of these Foundation-funded programs receiving high accolades and recognition. We thank all of our donors for your direct support of these cutting edge programs that are leading the way in the library community and soon to bring positive changes to communities across the country. Thank you! |
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